The Virginia State University community is reeling Saturday morning after an overnight shooting involving multiple suspects left five people wounded outside the school’s residence halls, one of whom is in critical condition. One of those wounded was a VSU student.
In a social media post on Saturday, school officials said that the campus was no longer on lockdown while providing preliminary details about the shooting and urged anyone with information to assist. All five individuals who suffered gunshot wounds outside of the Quad Annexes were transported to local area hospitals, with one having their condition initially listed as having life-threatening injuries.
The individual is now listed as being in critical condition, according to reports.
The campus was placed on lockdown following the shooting, but the measure was lifted shortly after 8 a.m. local time.
“We recognize the concern this incident has caused among our students, parents, alumni, friends and the broader VSU community,” the university said in an updated statement shared on Saturday. “The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. VSU Police will maintain an increased presence on campus as the investigation continues. Students should monitor their VSU email for additional safety measures currently in effect and information about available support resources.”
The historically Black college is located about 25 miles south of Virginia’s capital city, Richmond and currently has nearly 5,700 students enrolled on campus. Classes were set to begin on Monday, as the residence halls had recently opened for students moving in last week.
County and campus officials stated there would be more information regarding the shootings later in the day.
VSU has continued to grow in enrollment in recent years, buoyed by increased interest in historically Black colleges and universities. The tragedy occurring so close to the beginning of the school year is heartbreaking, Arthur Fridich, the university’s former director of distance education, told the Associated Press.
“To start a new year with this event is very tragic. It casts a shadow in the minds of all students,” he said.
